Occam’s razor states that if there are two explanations to a problem, the simpler of the two is usually the better answer. In a way, that still applies to the newest version of the Orbea Occam as the frame has gotten a bit simpler with the removal of the rear pivot. However, the rest of the story isn’t so simple as it includes new geometry, tire and wheel sizes, suspension travel, frame design, and more. Though all of this may make choosing the one bike a bit easier as both the new Occam TR and Occam AM appear to be more capable than ever before…
Split into two distinct platforms, both the TR and AM use an updated version of the Orbea Advanced Dynamics suspension system with a new UFO pivotless rear end. By removing the pivot at the rear axle and adding a flexible seat stay, Orbea claims the design results in a 140g weight savings with improvements to stiffness, acceleration, and all with less maintenance. Similarities in suspension end there as the TR runs 120mm rear/130mm front with a Fox 34 fork and Fox Float DPS w/ EVOL can rear shock. The AM bumps up to 150mm of travel front and rear with Fox 34 forks and the new Fox DPX2 rear shocks in metric sizing.
The two bikes also differ greatly in wheel size with the TR built around ‘Double Duty’ 27.5+ or 29″ wheel capabilities. Sold in either configuration, the swingarm is the same for both bikes and will fit up to 27.5 x 3.0″ tires, though the plus bikes will ship with Maxxis 2.8″ rubber. There are no frame adjustments, different forks, or additional headset cups to accommodate for differences in overall tire diameter with Orbea relying on the similarities in overall size to keep BB height close between the two different wheel sizes. Inevitably, this will probably still lead to lower BB heights on the plus versions depending on the rim and tire choice.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Occam AM seems to stick with standard 27.5″ wheels and 2.4″ tires across the line. Both AM and TR frames make the jump to Boost 148 spacing in the rear to make room for bigger tires, shorter stays, and more tire clearance.
Built with monocoque carbon frames for the M series, or triple butted aluminum for the H series, the frames feature internal cable routing with internal dropper support, integrated frame protection, post mount brake tabs inside the rear triangle, and ISCG05 tabs. Across the board, the Occams feature wider bars, wider rims, and wider tires all trending towards more current tastes in component selection.
There are also more 1x drivetrains and dropper posts in the mix as well as slacker angles, longer reach, shortened chainstays, and generally more modern geometry. New sizes are available as well with the TR gaining a size ‘S’ and the AM gaining an ‘XL’ for a full S-XL range for both bikes.
The Occam AM will be available in three complete carbon builds and three complete aluminum builds, while the split for the TR is four carbon builds (including one plus model), and three aluminum TRs also with one plus bike. Pricing and availability TBA.
